These fish must be kept in a group of at least 5 or 6. They are very small and peaceful and should only be kept with similar sized peaceful South American fish such as Neon Tetras. They will not do well with boisterous fish and may be eaten by larger fish.

These fish are best kept on a soft sandy or small rounded gravel substrate as sharp substrate can damage their barbels. They are best in a South American biotope set up with dense planting and bogwood. The appreciate some current but not strong, enough for the tank to be well oxygenated, and they should not be in a tank with very bright lighting without having somewhere to hide.

Similar in shape to its cousins, the Corydoras, the difference being that Corydoras possess only a single fontanel (opening) in the top of the skull, while Aspidoras have a dual fontanel. It is slightly more elongated still with barbels around the mouth. The body is cream in base colour with mottled dark grey markings that vary in shape but can appear like irregular diagonal bands on the flanks.